When riding at high speeds on the track, having complete confidence in your motorcycle gloves is mandatory. Compromising protection to save money could end painfully after just one crash.
That’s why I put Spidi’s premier Carbo Track EVO gloves to the test during recent circuit sessions to see if they warrant the hefty price tag.
Do these high-end racing gloves provide sufficient abrasion resistance and impact defenses for aggressive track day riders?
But, the main question I will answer in this Spidi Carbo Track EVO Gloves review will be: Are these the best motorcycle gloves for the track?. Let’s find out!
Spidi’s Carbo EVO Gloves
Key Takeaways
- Superb knuckle protection
- Excellent dexterity and feel
- Comfortable even in the summer heat
- Durable palm slider and reinforcements
Putting the Spidi Gloves Through Their Paces
I’ve logged over 25 hard laps wearing the Carbo Track EVOs on three track days so far. Sessions lasted 20-30 minutes, pushing my Ninja ZX-6R near the line on tight circuits with only short straights. My focus was judging the gloves’ stability, cooling, grip, and overall endurance lap after lap.
Spidi Carbo Track EVO Gloves – Here’s what stood out:
Impact Protection
The carbon shield over the main knuckles feels literally rock solid. Knocks against the tank and fairings during hangs-off cause no pain or bruising thanks to their shock-absorbing inner padding.
The thick leather over the fingers, wrist, and edge of the palm should withstand abrasion even in a high-speed crash.
Sensitivity & Control
The pre-curved palm and fingers mapped to my hands’ relaxed grip shape perfectly. The inner liner’s smooth finish prevented sweating or moisture build-up.
Fingertips remained conductive for using my smartphone. Gripping the brake lever and clutch was easy with the tactile goatskin palm.
There are no signs of seam failures or protector separation, even after several heat cycles.
Cooling Flow
I expected my hands to bake inside the Carbo EVOs from lack of airflow. But the laser-cut ventilation holes, perforated leather, and mesh panels transported evaporative cooling surprisingly well.
Finger joints never felt excessively hot or numb during rides.
Comfort & Fit
The Carbo Track EVOs avoid pressure points thanks to its ergonomic design and flexible armor around the knuckles and wrist.
For adjustable security, the twin wrist cuffs prevent the gloves from sliding forward on impact while keeping the arm’s skin protected.
I rate the comfort equal to lighter poly-leather gloves. The break-in period also felt shorter than expected to mold them to match my hand’s shape.
While expensive at circa $400, the Carbon EVO gloves deliver hardcore protections and functionality needed for circuit riding without sacrificing flexibility.
The main question is whether casual track riders require this level of defense compared to options that are 100 bucks cheaper.
Comparison to Similar Gloves
| Glove | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Alpinestars SP-8 V3 | • 0.8mm full-grain leather<br>• PU knuckle protection<br>• Kevlar® palm reinforcement |
| Alpinestars GP Tech V2 | • Kangaroo leather construction<br>• Carbon fiber knuckles<br>• Silicon finger grips |
The SP-8 V3 gloves provide robust abrasion protection with premium full-grain leather and impact absorbing padding, while weighing less than similar models.
The GP Tech V2 focuses more on maximizing sensitivity and grip with ultra-thin kangaroo hide, making them better suited for precise track riding.
In comparison, the Carbo Track EVO gloves (1) balance lightweight flexibility with Level 2 carbon fiber knuckle shields and a tactile leather/goatskin palm for versatile high speed protection.
Spidi Carbo Track EVO Glove Overview
The Carbo Track EVO represents a trickle-down of technology from Spidi’s top-tier MotoGP gloves to enhance protection, comfort, and control precision for aggressive track use. Upgrades over the previous Carbo Track model include:
Impact Defenses
- Carbon fiber knuckles with shock-dampening foam
- TPR palm slider and pinky shields
- Force dispersing wrist closure system
- Plastic armor on the outer wrist (ulna)
Abrasion Resistant Shell
- 0.8-0.9mm thick German cowhide leather
- Superfabric strengthened suede on the backhand
- Goatskin with silicone grip pattern on palm
- Kevlar stitching on seams
Breathability
- Perforated fourchettes between fingers
- Airflow mesh panel along inner fingers
- Spandex gussets aid flexibility
These features tick all the boxes I look for in full-on track gloves. Next, I’ll share my experience on how the Carbo EVOs held up during recent track days.
Value vs Other Track Gloves
Yes, the Carbo Track EVOs sit at the premium end of the price spectrum. But they also deliver no-compromise safety for track riders, prioritizing protection over budget.
The materials quality, extensive shields, and reinforced construction should maintain integrity in violent crashes that cheaper brands may not.
I can’t say casual track day riders need this ultimate level of defense. However, the Carbo EVO gloves provide confidence-inspiring and complete coverage for those who want the best without sacrificing feel.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Carbon fiber knuckles offer exceptional impact protection | Expensive $359 retail pricing |
| Pre-curved fingers improve comfort and reduce fatigue | Require break-in period to maximize flexibility |
| TPR palm slider shields vital grip area in crashes | Not fully waterproof without aftermarket treatment |
| Superfabric panels enhance abrasion resistance | Lack thermal insulation for cold weather usage |
| Open gauntlet style promotes air circulation | Excessive for casual track day riders |
| Conductive fingertips enable use of touchscreen devices | Limited color/graphics options |
| Wide wrist closure prevents slipping forward in crashes |
FAQs
Do the Carbo Track EVO gloves have touchscreen compatibility?
Yes, the index finger and thumb feature conductive material on the tips, enabling the use of smartphones and bike electronics without removing the gloves.
How is the sizing on these Spidi gloves?
I found they run true-to-size compared to other major brands. Order your normal glove size unless your hands measure on the smaller or larger ends of the range.
Are the gloves fully waterproof?
The outer leather resists light rain and splashes well enough but lacks a waterproof membrane for heavy precipitation. Applying a water-repellant spray treatment helps somewhat in wet conditions.
What is the wrist closure system?
A large hook-and-loop panel across the backhand anchors the wrist gauntlet securely. There is also a secondary fixed wrist strap. Together, they prevent the glove from creeping forward on impact while enabling flexibility.
Do the knuckle protectors reduce feel and mobility?
Surprisingly, no. Spidi engineered the carbon shield to “float” over the knuckles using elastic panels and interior foam for a barely perceptible fit. The adjacent fingers also incorporate stretch Spandex for natural movement.
Final Verdict on the Spidi Carbo Track EVO Racing Gloves
For track riders and racers seeking the highest levels of construction quality, safety engineering, and abrasion resistance, the Carbo Track EVO gloves deliver. They provide reassuring armoring for high-risk falls without excess bulk hampering sensitivity.
While cheaper track gloves exist, the Spidi’s premium level-2 certified carbon protections and slip-resistant layered palm should better maintain integrity sliding across the asphalt at speed.
Considering how exposed hands are while scraping elbows around circuits, the Carbo EVOs provide that extra assurance to attack corners and late braking maneuvers with confidence.
Ultimately, the extra cost brings justified peace of mind that your skin won’t pay the price during inevitable crashes while chasing tentative tenths.
Despite their overbuilt defenses, the included flex panels ensure impressive flexibility and ventilation, too. That helps concentrate on perfecting technique rather than being distracted by stiff, hot gloves.
So if ultimate construction and certified impact guards are essential for your trackdays, the Carbo Track EVOs deliver exactly that.
They’ll stay firmly in my glove rotation this season as trusted weapons in my quest to gradually shave seconds off my lap times.
Have you tested the Spidi glove or others with similar hardcore protections? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
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